We have visited Vrelo Bune (Buna River Spring) and Blagaj Tekija (Blagaj Tekke) in our recent travel through this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We started with a visit to Blidinje, then went to Ramsko jezero (Rama Lake), Jablanica, and finally down to this magical place that mends spirituality and nature. In this article, we are going to speak about our experience of Vrelo Bune, give you some tips about the visit, and let you know what to expect once you get there.
Both Vrelo Bune (Buna Spring) and Blagaj Tekke are located one next to another, just a short drive from Mostar. This is one of the most enchanting places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as such, it’s a very visited place. The location is surrounded by high cliffs, clear and cold waters, and centuries-old architecture. It’s a combination of nature, spirituality, and history, all in one location.
What Is Vrelo Bune (Buna Spring)? First things first, we are going to introduce you to this location so you know what it is all about. A bit will be done by the written word, but we believe you’ll find our photos more valuable when it comes to describing this location. Vrelo Bune is a powerful karst spring that emerges from a cavern beneath a 200-meter-high cliff at the base of the town of Blagaj . It’s the source of the Buna River , one of the shortest but most abundant rivers in Europe. The water emerges cold and crystal clear, a scene that almost feels surreal.
The volume of water flowing from the cave is astonishing and estimated at over 40,000 liters per second in peak conditions. This makes Vrelo Bune one of the most significant karst springs on the continent.
Blagaj Tekija (Blagaj Tekke) On the other side lies the spiritual significance of this place. Right next to the spring sits the Blagaj Tekija (Blagaj Tekke) , an old Dervish monastery built during the Ottoman period in the early 16th century. This white-stone Sufi house was constructed for gatherings of the Dervish order and blends both Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture in a peculiar way.
Today, you can:
Enter the tekke and explore its peaceful prayer rooms and courtyardsLearn about Sufi traditions and the history of Islam in the regionSip traditional Bosnian tea in the garden while overlooking the spring of the Buna RiverTake a short boat ride into the cave with the spring
This unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance is what makes Vrelo Bune what it is, a place that has inspired pilgrims, poets, and travelers for centuries.
Things to Do at Vrelo Bune As you visit this place, you’ll see a lot of restaurants by the river as well as many souvenir shops lined along the main street. It basically looks like any tourist place in the region. There is not much to do, but you can still enjoy this place immensely. Some places are not about the activities, but about the simple, basic relaxation. Even though we did see ATV vehicles lined along the street so there is an option to rent one and drive along the Buna River.
1. Explore the Tekke Wander through the monastery and learn about the life of the Dervishes who once lived here, and listen to the Buna waterfalls located near the spring.
2. Take a Boat Ride into the Cave Small boats can take you a few meters into the spring cave for just 5 KM (3 Euros). It’s a surreal and refreshing experience.
3. Dine Along the River Many riverside restaurants offer delicious local cuisine, from fresh trout to grilled meats and traditional sweets. Dining here, or just drinking in the shade while watching the spring and the rising cliffs, is a thing you must do.
4. Walk Along the Buna River You can also move a little bit further from the Vrelo Bune and Blagaj Tekke and enjoy an easy riverside walk through fig trees, stone pathways, and old Ottoman bridges.
5. Photography With high cliffs, historic architecture, and emerald-green waters, Vrelo Bune is one of the most photogenic spots in the Balkans. If you are into photography, play a bit with the angles and reflections. We’re sure you’ll like the results.
When to Visit We visited Vrelo Bune and Blagaj Tekija at the beginning of June, and it was already getting crowded. We went there around noon, so that’s one of the reasons for so many other visitors. Our best suggestion would be to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you are visiting during the peak hours, expect a lot of people around.
Also, it’s best to visit in the spring since that’s the period during which the water flow from the Buna River Spring is strongest. Also, you’ll have the chance to enjoy milder weather and fewer visitors. Win-win.
Spring and Autumn are the best seasons, with mild weather and fewer crowdsSummer is also great, but can be very busy, especially on weekendsWinter is a peaceful season at Vrelo Bune, though most of the amenities may be closed
Getting There One mistake we made when we visited Vrelo Bune was that we went a bit too far with our car. The person who works at the parking lot told us to keep going, so we went almost all the way to the spring. Don’t do this. Park as soon as you see an empty spot and walk a bit. Otherwise, you’ll be driving through the crowd, on a narrow road, and you’ll have nowhere to turn back.
Reaching Vrelo Bune is easy, and the place is located near Mostar. Also, if you’re coming from places like Dubrovnik or Split, there are many day trips available, so you can join these for peace of mind. We’ll put the link to the most famous one just below.
From Mostar : Approx. 20-minute drive (12 km)From Dubrovnik : Around 2.5 to 3 hours by carBy Tour : Many guided tours from places like Mostar, Dubrovnik, or Split include Blagaj as a highlight, often combined with other nearby gems like Počitelj, Kravice Waterfalls, or Međugorje
Before You Venture to Vrelo Bune and Blagaj Tekke One more location we suggest you visit is the Buna canal, a place where the Buna River flows into the Neretva. It’s a beautiful place we passed near many times, but never really stopped to admire it. Another mistake that you shouldn’t repeat. The Buna River is just 9 kilometers long, and at its mouth, it forms a canal and falls into the Neretva from a height of a few meters.
Even though Vrelo Bune can get pretty crowded, it’s a place to put on your itinerary. If you have a chance, visit it early in the morning, before the heat and crowds. If not, don’t skip it, it’s a great place to see at any time of the day.
Enjoy Vrelo Bune and Blagaj Tekke!
